Disclaimer: The information provided is intended for general guidance only and does not constitute medical, legal or regulatory advice. Organizations should consult appropriate professionals and applicable regulations to determine requirements specific to their operations.

Accidents and medical incidents can happen in any setting — during daily operations, events, volunteer activities or routine facility use. While organizations are not expected to replace professional medical care, having a well‑maintained first‑aid kit available can help stabilize minor injuries and support emergency response until help arrives.

A first‑aid kit is best understood as a preparedness and injury‑prevention tool, not a treatment program. When thoughtfully assembled and appropriately used, it can help reduce risk, limit injury severity and support safer outcomes.

The role of a first-aid kit

A first‑aid kit is intended to:

• Address minor injuries such as cuts, scrapes or small burns.
• Help control bleeding or swelling until professional care is available.
• Support basic injury stabilization, not diagnosis or treatment.
• Improve response time while waiting for emergency services.

It should not be used to administer prescription medications, diagnose conditions or replace emergency medical care.

What to include in a general-use first-aid kit

Because requirements vary by organization type, activity level and applicable regulations, this list focuses on non‑medicated, low‑risk supplies suitable for general use.

The American Red Cross recommends first‑aid kits include items that help control bleeding, protect responders and stabilize injuries until advanced care is available.

Bleeding and wound care supplies

• Sterile gauze pads (various sizes)
• Absorbent compress dressings
• Adhesive bandages
• Adhesive tape
• Roller or elastic bandages
• Antiseptic wipes (single‑use packets)

Protective and barrier equipment

• Non‑latex disposable gloves
• Breathing barrier or CPR face shield

Tools and support items

• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Instant cold packs
• Emergency blanket
• Eye wash or saline solution
• Thermometer (non‑mercury)
• First‑aid instruction guide

Important note on medications: Many organizations choose not to include medications in shared first‑aid kits due to allergy risks, expiration concerns, regulatory requirements and training considerations. If medications are included, organizations should consult legal, medical and regulatory guidance specific to their operations.

Where to store first-aid kits

Accessibility is critical. First‑aid kits should be:

• Clearly marked and easy to open.
• Stored in a clean, dry, temperature‑controlled location.
• Placed where injuries are most likely to occur.
• Available during off‑site activities or travel.
• Known and accessible to staff or volunteers.

The American Red Cross recommends knowing the location of first‑aid kits wherever you work or gather.

Maintaining your first-aid kit

A neglected kit can be as ineffective as no kit at all. Best practices include:

• Inspecting kits at least quarterly.
• Replacing used or damaged supplies.
• Removing expired items.
• Ensuring protective equipment is intact.
• Verifying instructions are present and legible.

Routine checks help ensure supplies are ready when needed.

Preparedness without overexposure

Organizations often want to “do more,” but preparedness should be proportionate to risk. Not every organization needs designated medical responders, specialized training or medical data collection procedures.

Instead, a safer baseline approach includes:

• Knowing when and how to call 911.
• Ensuring people know where first‑aid kits are located.
• Using supplies only within comfort and training levels.
• Avoiding medical treatment beyond basic first aid.
• Deferring quickly to emergency professionals when needed.

This approach can help reduce unintended liability while still supporting responsible safety preparedness.

Learn more about first-aid preparedness

For detailed, activity‑specific guidance and nationally recognized recommendations, the American Red Cross provides comprehensive resources on building and maintaining first‑aid kits:

Anatomy of a First-Aid Kit | American Red Cross

Building safer environments through smart preparation

A first‑aid kit is a simple but powerful part of an organization’s overall safety strategy. When paired with clear boundaries, proper maintenance and an understanding of its purpose, it can help support injury prevention and emergency readiness — without introducing unnecessary risk.

Preparedness doesn’t necessarily require complexity. It requires clarity, consistency and care.

Looking for more resources to help your organization manage risk? Explore Church Mutual’s risk management resources, including expert articles, checklists and guides designed to help you protect your people, property and purpose.

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The information contained in these materials is intended solely to provide general guidance on topics that may be of interest to you. While we have made reasonable efforts to present accurate and reliable information, Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. and its affiliates disclaim all liability for any errors or omissions or for any actions you take or fail to take based on these materials. The information provided may not apply to your particular facts or circumstances; therefore, you should seek professional advice prior to relying on any information that may be found in these materials.